The listing of the Killarney Castle, coinciding with baby news from Britain, has begged the question: could this be a holiday abode for William and Kate, with a new bub in tow?

The five-bedroom home at 3 Glenview Street, Gordon, was built in 1918 for Irishman Thomas Taylor, who chose the location because it reminded him of the Killarney area of his home country.

The newly arrived immigrant designed his house to reflect an Irish castle – a three-storey building constructed of stone hand-hewn on site. Featuring battlements and a slate roof, the building sits in its own quarry, with a bridge to the second level giving the impression of a moat. Originally it was surrounded by two acres of landscaped gardens, including a small orchard.

Advertisement

'There's certainly plenty of room for a royal family," said Jason Salter, of selling agents Burns and Burns.

"This type of property is so unique that it could well capture the international expat market.

"So yes, maybe royalty ... we'll take all comers."

The Laing family - Jocelyn, Simon and their two boys - have owned the five-bedroom property for 12 years after dropping into the open home.

"We were only having a stickybeak," Jocelyn Laing said. "We went in out of curiosity and fell in love with it."

What she loves most are the high ceilings and unique features. Visitors are always intrigued by the property, and always want to check out the view from the turrets.

"It is a great view from up there," Mrs Laing said.

Yet the castle truly comes into its own at Halloween.

"Every Halloween we put balloons out the front and hang a skeleton on the door ... the kids just love coming, you can see it in their faces."

Killarney Castle has served as an ideal family home for the Laings, with its swimming pool and billiard room. But with their boys having left home, the couple are on the move.

Australian Property Monitors data shows the Laings paid $1.53 million for the 1286-square metre property in 2000. They've since done renovations, including converting what had been a squash court into a rumpus room, large workshop and wine cellar.

Mrs Laing reckons the castle does have royal potential, but perhaps someone else might snap it up first. The agents are calling for expressions of interest above $3 million.

If Kate and Wills do miss out on Killarney Castle, there's always Bishopscourt. The home of the Anglican Archbishop isn't exactly a castle, but it comes close.

Peter Jensen moves out of the Darling Point mansion next July and agents predict it could sell for more than $25 million.

Now Prince William's grandmother is the head of the Church of England, perhaps there's room for some negotiation ... but they may prefer something closer to Britain anyway.

There are some bargain castles in the French countryside at the moment - like this 17th century Elizabethan Castle in the south of France. They can pick this one up for the euro equivalent of $950,000.

At that price, perhaps some of us commoners should rush over and grab it.